Overview

One of the best treks for those looking for a truly isolated and untouched area. The lower Dolpo region lies in the rain shadow area making it ideal for those traveling during the monsoon season. Known for its excellent views and series of challenging passes, lower Dolpo is also home to several settlements heavily isolated from modern developments creating an authentic experience. The ultimate way to seclude yourself and be at peace with natural and the traditional lifestyle as you pass through tranquil glacial lakes and gorges. This trek requires a good level of physical fitness but no previous trekking experience is required.

Trip Facts

Destnation:Nepal

Activities:Trekking

Duration:21 + Days

Region:Other

Best Season:Spring / Summer / Autumn

Group Size:02+ Pax

Itinerary

Day 1Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon your arrival to the airport, you will be greeted by the friendly Good Karma Trekking staff who will escort you to your accommodation in Kathmandu. After settling in and exploring the streets of Thamel, we will arrange a special welcome diner featuring local specialties to introduce you to the city and the Good Karma team.

Day 2Kathmandu Sightseeing

Today we will take a tour featuring the highlights of Kathmandu including several UNESCO world heritage sites such as Durbar Square and Pashupati temple before visiting Sqayambhunath, and Buddha Nath, which is one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. After lunch, we will hold a briefing with your trekking guide addressing any questions or concerns you may have about your trip.

Day 3Kathmandu to Nepalgunj

We will take a scenic mountain flight over the beautiful Himalayas to the border town of Nepalgunj. This subtropical town is known as a major trading center near the Indian border and is home to an excellent cultural blend with mixed architecture and heritage.

Day 4Fly to Jumla and trek to Gothi Chaur

Another scenic morning flight takes us to Jumla where we will begin our trek hiking along the Tila Khola River climbing through a valley home to traditional terraced agriculture fields. We continue though a series of traditional villages before passing through a scenic walnut forest home to seasonal flowers. We then take and up and down path to Gothi Chaur to make camp for the night.

Day 5Trek to Naphukana

We continue along the river passing traditional farming villages watching as the locals tend to their potato, corn and barley fields before entering a narrow valley home to some relaxing forest scenery. The trail leads to the traditional mani wall chorten on the way to Naphukana home to a traditional monastery where we will visit the local monks during the evening.

Day 6Trek to Chaurikot

The trail becomes increasingly steep as we continue through the forest to the scenic Mauri Lagna Pass offering views of the snowy peaks of the Himalayas in the distance. We then descend through a dense forest before entering the Bheri Valley leading to the town of Chaurikot where we will make camp under the peaceful starlight Himalayan sky.

Day 7Trek to Bheri River

We continue along the traditional nomad trail as it slowly drops to a stream leading to a forest ridge filled with traditional apple trees in Jyakot. We will stop for a relaxing picnic lunch before following the trail to the banks of the Bheri River to rest for the night.

Day 8Trek to Garpung Khola

We continue along the banks of the Bheri River as we make our way to the Shey Phoksumdo National Park situated at the crossing of two peaceful rivers. After taking time to explore the beauty of the park, we move back to the riverside to make camp.

Day 9Trek to Kagmara

We begin along the trail toward the Kagmara La path rising along the river for a few hours. We will then take a rest to allow us to properly adjust to the rapidly thinning air wandering to a scenic location and enjoying the local scenery.

Day 10Trek to Kagmara Phedi

After crossing the river, we pass through a chain of waterfalls on the way to a narrow valley leading to the terminal moraine. We will make camp near a famous rock formation before traveling to a scenic vantage point to enjoy the timeless Himalayan sunset reflecting the pinkish light on the powerful mountains.

Day 11Kagmara La Pass

After an early breakfast we will take a strenuous climb passing along an ancient glacial formation leading up to the Kagmara la Pass. We will stop to enjoy the panoramic views while trying to spot the elusive blue sheep of the region before descending to the Pungmo Khola valley to relax during the evening.

Day 12Trek to Pungmo

We follow the trail leading to a tradition birch and juniper forest home to a wide range of flora and known for its fragrant scents. As we rise, pine trees serve as the entryway to the traditional stone village of Pungmo where we will enjoy a traditional meal during the evening.

Day 13Trek to Poksumdo Lake

We continue along the river before we switch trails and head towards the timeless Phoksumdo Lake. After passing through another cedar forest, we move past the town of Palam on the way to a scenic ridge offering views of the crystal clear glacial lake. We will stop to admire one of Nepal’s tallest natural waterfalls before exploring the lake and making camp during the night.

Day 14Rest Day at Poksumdo Lake

We will take a full day to appreciate the natural beauty of the turquoise lake taking time to travel to a few particularly scenic locations to enjoy both lake and mountain views. The lake is often considered sacred as serves as a pilgrimage location for spiritual travelers making the traditional journey to the small temples around the lake.

Day 16Baga Pass and trek to Numa La Phedi

Day 17Numa La Pass and Do

Similar to yesterday, we begin with a steep climb before enjoying a new vantage point from atop the scenic pass. We then continue to explore the local monastery to learn more about the traditions of the local monks before continuing past a traditional mani wall to the valley town of Do

Day 18-19Do

We will take two full days to rest and explore the curious town of Do. We will visit the charming gompas both by day and night to learn more about the rituals of the monks. We will also make several excursions to enjoy the wide range of local scenery stopping at several vantage points and places of natural beauty while enjoying a local sunrise and sunset around Do.

Day 20Trek to Lahini

Today we take a relaxing relatively flat walk along the river leading toward a large gorge known for its wide range of flowers including local roses. We then follow a trail leading to a peaceful flat valley where we will make camp for the night.

Day 21Trek to Tarakot

The path begins with a difficult and steep climb along a slippery cliff. We will take plenty of time to make our ascent before crossing a series of traditional bridges before entering a valley that makes for a relaxing walk to Tarakot where will learn more about the local lifestyle of the ancient fort town.

Day 22Trek to Dunai

The trail continues along a peaceful section of the Barbung Khola River making for an enjoyable morning hike. After a picnic lunch, we will continue along the relatively flat path and arrive in Dunai during the late afternoon.

Day 23Trek to Jpuhai

On our last day of trekking, we continue along the river making several stops to admire the local scenery and culture. Upon arrival in Juphal, we will spend some time chatting with locals before celebrating the end of our trek during the evening.

Day 24Return to Kathmandu

We will take 2 mountain flights first to Nepalgunj then to Kathmandu arriving with plenty of time to enjoy the backpacker haven of thamel in the afternoon. You may also take some time to do some souvenir shopping at the countless stores offering traditional Nepalese products and handicrafts. We will arrange a celebratory cultural dinner with traditional food, music and dancing to make sure you get the most our of your trip to Nepal.

Day 25Departure

Today, a Member of the Good Karma team will escort you to the airport for your flight. After saying our farewells you will continue on your journey with fond memories of you adventure in Nepal.

Includes

Airport pick up & Transfer to hotel

Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on BB basis (Tourist Standard Hotel to Five Star deluxe Hotel in Kathmandu as you prefer)

Government license holder Trekking Guide.

Trekking porter /Sherpa who will carry your bag pack during the trekking.

Three time meal during the trekking Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Tea house , Lodge, Tent accommodation as per the requirement.

Trekker’s Information Management system (TIMS)

Conservation area fee & all essential permits as per Nepal Government rule.

Down jacket, four seasonal sleeping bag, Good Karma Trekking duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)&( optionally if you have your own bags, down jackets and wants to use your own you are free to bring them)

Trip Note

Travellers Reviews

From the moment we stepped outside Kathmandu airport we knew we were in good hands. Raj and his professional team had taken care of everything. Our trek to Everest Base Camp is one we will remember for a long time. From accomodation, to meals, guide and porters. Everything went smoothly. Even the tricky weather in Lukla didn't hold us up too much. The tour of Kathmandu was great and we especially enjoyed the opening dinner that Raj planned for us.

I highly recommend Good Karma Trekking.

We are planing to return to Nepal and trek the Annapurna Circuit. We will definitely book with Raj and Good Karma Trekking again.

Best travel agency, very helpful and friendly staff. They offer great possibilities for trekking, excursions, help take care of all permits. Great company, wonderful trip, friendship for life. I would recommend!

Booked my first trip to Nepal with Good Karma after some recommendations on Tripadvisor. From my first email I was impressed with the level of attention I received and how flexible they were (something I couldn't get with several other other companies I and contacted). Had a great trip including sightseeing in Kathmandu and trekking to Everest base camp, and everything went extremely smoothly (except for the weather). Just returned from my second trip there and already planning my third. Its an amazing country, and Raj and the Good Karma team made it a great experience. Happy to answer any questions people have.

Kind, attentive, honest, dedicated attention is awaiting on your travels with Good Karma. I went to the Everest Base Camp(14 days), Bhutan (4 days) and the Chitwan game preserve (3 days) with them and was very well treated at a great price.

I have traveled in many countries, but my experience in Nepal was special, thanks to Raj and his team who organized the exceptional way to all desired goals in this expedition which I had in Nepal and Tibet this autumn. I hope with all my heart to revisit again because I really miss Nepal. I started learning Hindi language since a few days.

So, Raj, Biji, I feel like I will visit you again! There are a lot of places that I have not seen yet! GOOD KARMA TREKKING is the best Agency for me!

Raj was knowledgeable and more than accommodating during our travels. We used Good Karma Trekking to book a trek to Annapurna, do white water rafting, and visit the elephants. It was one of the best trips I've had in my life and I've been to over 50 countries now. I would strongly recommend them to anyone who is traveling to Nepal and seeking a professional and friendly travel agency

BOOKING WITH KARMA: I booked a one-person tour to the Annapurna Circuit during the off season in August. During my inquiries with various trekking companies, Raj from Good Karma replied promptly and was always making sure that my needs were met before, during and after the trek. He was very flexible with whatever mode of transportation I desired to use even if it was just a couple of days in advance (including a flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu with two days notice) . THE TOUR: The tour itself was amazing. True, the Annapurna Circuit can be done with no guide. But Raj provide me with none other than a Sherpa guide would allowed for easy communication with locals and got the best rooms and meals in all the lodges. He also knew where the shortcuts are and made sure my safety was a priority (specially with altitude sickness). TRANSPORTATION : Always keep in mind that Nepal is not the most developed nation in terms of infrastructure and road systems. I highly recommend getting a private vehicle. The drivers that Raj provides are some of the best I've seen even though they drive like maniacs. I felt relatively safe compared to a tourist bus/local bus. These are worse and the safety standards are very low OVERALL: I highly recommend this tour company. Make sure you communicate with Raj constantly so he knows what your needs are.

Had an unforgettable experience trekking the Annapurna Circuit with Good Karma in 2012. Nabraj and his team are knowledgable, passionate and great hosts, and are genuine in providing the best experience possible. They went above and beyond to cater to our interests and provided outstanding hospitality. Nabraj has become a good friend since, we are regularly in touch and I look forward to joining Good Karma on a trek again soon!

I worked with Good Karma Trekking a few years ago when they organized a trip through Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan for me and a group of almost 30 people. They were the best choice for our trip. The hotels they booked, the accommodation, the vehicles used for our transportation were all top class. Raj and his team really know their country (and the neighboring countries) and are able to custom made programs that suit each and every individual on a group, no matter the size. We particularly enjoyed the trips around Kathmandu valley, up to Nagarkot, down in the jungle in Chitwan and resting at the foot of Anapurna in Pokhara. Raj even organized some trips that were not in the initial schedule and which were greatly appreciated - for instance the visit to Kopan Monastery in Kathmandu.

I was also on the group that took a tour of Tibet with Good Karma Trekking. Everything went smooth, from crossing the border into China to altering the program so we could stay at a lower altitude when some of our colleagues felt sick.

For all of us on that trip Raj also became a good friend and we kept in touch ever since.

Whenever I hear someone thinking of visiting Nepal I always recommend Good Karma Trekking. I am also sure that next time myself and any other member of the group would want to go to the Himalayan region Good Karma Trekking would be our first choice.

I went on a one month trip to Nepal with Good Karma Trekking, and I must say it was really amazing! Well worth the time and the cost of traveling there! Part of what made my experience so wonderful was the guide that I had. His name is Raj Ghimire, and he is the sole proprietor of GOOD KARMA TREKKING LTD. He is a truly honest guy, with a very kind heart, and I believe that he would give you the BEST Nepal experience, no matter where in the country you want to travel. When my friends and I were over there, he treated us like family (no, I'm not exaggerating), and I still stay in touch with him. His rates are GREAT too! And if you need porters, tea house reservations, or a personal driver to show you Kathmandu or Chitwan Park, he did ALL of these arrangements for us.

This was literally the best experience I've had with a travel company anywhere in the world. They are efficient, culturally smart and very friendly. They even went out of their way to help with issues that were not necessarily part of our contract. I will definitely trust them to organize any trip for me in the future.

Good Karma organized everything for my trip including city tours, travel, hotels and trekking. They were very professional and helpful creating a trip that included what i wanted to see and not just the standard itinerary. The owner Raj even helped bargain for lower prices on souvenirs and trekking equipment while i was in Kathmandu. He also showed me some of his favorite restaurants and some of the local specialties and offered me some wild honey from his home town. The trek went great and the guide was very knowledgeable about the trails and flora and fauna of the himalayas. I have done a trip with abovethehimalays before and the service and price of Good Karma was much better. I would suggest this company to anyone looking for an authentic experience.

We had a great experience with Good Karma Trekking in Kathmandu, Nepal. Raj, the owner of the company, was very helpful. He has an excellent knowledge about the Kathmandu area, and generally about Nepal. He is more than a usual travel agency, passionate about his work, and about promoting the Nepal sights. I am sure that we will use his services again when we return to Nepal, hopefully soon.

I met Raj in Kathmandu through a mutual friend and I've been amazed by his hospitality and generosity. They gave me all the informations I needed about the transportation, treks and more! Thank you for your kindness and your support and I really hope to meet you again! Cheers

I used Good Karma Trekking for a first trip to Nepal in Nov 2011 and from the moment of contact the trip went very smoothly. I would highly recommend this company and would be happy to be contacted independently to provide a review.